Adam Dudzinski and Aidan Macaulay each contributed 16 points, and the St. Lawrence men's basketball team earned a hard-fought 68-61 victory over the Ithaca Bombers Friday night in Burkman Gymnasium. 

The Saints now have a 13-8 overall record with a 7-8 record in Liberty League play, also snapping a three-game losing streak with the win. The win puts them in a tie for the sixth and final playoff spot with Clarkson, following the Golden Knight's 71-70 defeat to Union this evening. St. Lawrence will play Union Saturday ahead of a big weekend next week on the road, which will determine their postseason fate. 

The Saints didn't score until nearly four minutes in and their first field goal wasn't until 14:07 left in the half. The Bombers got out in front 11-2 early. However, the middle part of the half was all Saints, as they went on a 21-5 run, taking their first lead off a Dudzinski three, 17-16 and then expanding that lead to 23-16 with six minutes remaining in the half.

Defensively, the Scarlet and Brown held the Bombers to just five points in an eight minute span off of 2-for-11 shooting and six turnovers. Late in the half though, Ithaca was able to get shots to drop, and the Saints took a 30-29 lead into the locker room with Dudzinski leading the way with nine points. 

St. Lawrence opened the second half strong, and got their seven-point lead back with 13:17 to go as they now led 44-37. The Bombers once again responded though with a 9-2 run to tie the game up at 46 midway through the half. The Saints then used a 6-0 run to take the lead back 52-46.

With 3:18 left, and the Saints controlling a 56-53 lead, Aidan Macaulay made three free throws after getting fouled on a three-point attempt, Trey Syroka had a layup and Dudzinski cashed in a pair at the line for a 62-53 lead for the Scarlet and Brown with 1:29 to go. The Saints were able to make free throws the rest of the way, and went on to win 68-61. 



In addition to Macaulay and Dudzinski, Dan Anderson had 13 points and Gavin Macaulay had 10 to put four starters in double figures. Gavin Macaulay also had four steals and Syroka had five points, five steals, and three assists. The Saints outshot the Bombers 43 per cent to 34 per cent. They also had 15 steals and forced Ithaca into 21 turnovers. 

The Saints have three remaining regular season contests as they continue their push for a spot in the Liberty League playoffs.They will match up against the Union Garnet Chargers tomorrow at 3 p.m. in Burkman on their senior day.